NEW RIVER RAFT RACE SET TO RETURN

FORT LAUDERDALE -- The New River Raft Race, a rollicking parade of homemade people-powered craft traversing three miles of the New River, returns on Sept. 12.

The popular race was canceled last year because of Hurricane Andrew, but organizers hope to make this year's race bigger than ever. The 1991 race drew 62 rafts and thousands of spectators who lined the New River and its drawbridges.

Entries have ranged from simple canoes and rubber rafts to the elaborate, such as replicas of the space shuttle, fire-breathing dragons and a giant Garfield cat with blinking eyes.

Entry fees are $50 for individuals, plus $5 for each crew member; or $250 for a corporate raft, with an unlimited number of crew members. Only the corporate rafts can contain advertising.

This year, companies that want to sponsor a raft can have one built to their specifications with their advertising for $1,500 to $3,000.

"All they have to do is show up the day of the race, paddle it down the river and back," said Ron Bowen, executive director of the Fort Lauderdale Jaycees, which sponsors the annual race.

For more information, call the Jaycees at 791-0202. Proceeds will benefit United Cerebral Palsy.